UCA News
Contribute

Commonwealth backs Sri Lanka's new war crimes probe

New administration has promised a South African-style truth and reconciliation commission
Commonwealth backs Sri Lanka's new war crimes probe

Sri Lankan Army soldiers patrol along the 'de facto' frontline at Nager Kovil in the Jaffna Peninsula in 2008 (AFP Photo/Lakruwan Wanniarachchi)  

 

Published: February 03, 2015 10:25 AM GMT
Updated: April 24, 2015 02:46 PM GMT

The Commonwealth on Tuesday welcomed Sri Lanka's plans to establish a "credible" inquiry into war crimes allegations, after talks with new President Maithripala Sirisena and the former British colony's other leaders.

Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma also offered Commonwealth assistance to set up the judicial inquiry into allegations troops killed thousands of Tamil civilians during the final stages of its ethnic war.

"We have discussed options for practical Commonwealth support for these vital domestic processes, and welcome the intent to establish a credible domestic investigation mechanism that respects international humanitarian law," Sharma said at the end of a three-day visit.

Sirisena pledged during last month's election campaign to set up a probe into allegations 40,000 civilians were killed in the final push of the separatist conflict that ended in 2009.      

Sirisena defeated former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa who had long resisted international pressure to conduct a probe into the allegations which are the subject of a UN-mandated international investigation. 

Rajapaksa hosted a Commonwealth summit in Colombo in November 2013 that was boycotted by several heads of state over his insistence that not one civilian was killed. 

Rajapaksa is credited with crushing the Tamil Tiger rebels who at the height of their power between 1990 and 1995 controlled a third of Sri Lanka's territory.

Sharma said the Commonwealth was pleased Colombo was moving to memorialize all those who died in the conflict.

"We were pleased to learn that the government is currently considering the necessary steps to address Sri Lanka's accountability and reconciliation needs," Sharma said.

The UN estimates that at least 100,000 people died in the war between 1972 and 2009. The previous government had not allowed ethnic minority Tamils to honor their war dead and Tamil rebel cemeteries were bulldozed after the end of the war.

The new government has promised a South African-style truth and reconciliation commission to help Tamils and ethnic majority Sinhalese come to terms with the war. AFP

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia